Inside the Hollywood Feud: What to Expect from the Baldoni vs Lively Documentary Coming This June

The highly anticipated Discovery+ documentary, tentatively titled Baldoni vs Lively: A Hollywood Feud, is set to offer an in-depth exploration of the ongoing legal and personal conflict between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni. Emerging from their collaboration on the 2024 film It Ends With Us, this documentary will delve into the dramatic tensions that led to a high-profile legal dispute, set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s often tumultuous intersection of fame, power, and creativity.

Background of the Legal Battle

The feud between Lively and Baldoni has captured widespread media attention since December 2024, when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Additionally, Lively alleges that Baldoni initiated a retaliatory smear campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation. Baldoni, who both directed and co-financed the film through his production company, Wayfarer Studios, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.”

The situation escalated when Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit for defamation, further intensifying the legal battle. The case is scheduled to go to trial in March 2026, making the documentary’s release in June 2025 particularly timely. It will likely offer an update on the legal proceedings leading up to that pivotal moment, including the recent motion by Lively’s legal team to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation suit, which they argue is an abuse of the legal process.

Documentary Content and Structure

Part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Vs series, which has previously covered contentious celebrity legal battles such as Johnny vs. Amber: The U.S. Trial and Vardy vs Rooney: The Wagatha Trial, Baldoni vs Lively: A Hollywood Feud promises to follow a similar format. Expect a balanced presentation that covers both sides of the story, featuring interviews with those involved, legal experts, and analysis of the key evidence in the case.

The documentary will likely explore the genesis of the conflict, tracing the tension between Lively and Baldoni on set. Reports have indicated that Lively faced online backlash for her approach to promoting the film, with some fans accusing her of trivializing its serious themes. In contrast, Baldoni was initially praised for his handling of the promotion, adding a layer of complexity to the dispute. The forensic approach promised by the production company, Optomen, will likely focus on key elements like text messages, emails, and public statements that have been central to the legal proceedings.

Expect a closer look at the allegations of sexual harassment, including Lively’s claims of inappropriate behavior on set, as well as the countersuit filed by Baldoni, which accuses Lively of defamation and extortion. The documentary will also explore the broader public fallout from the legal battle, offering insight into the media frenzy and social media reactions that have shaped public perceptions of the feud.

Expected Features and Viewer Experience

Baldoni vs Lively: A Hollywood Feud is expected to adopt a true-crime documentary style, reminiscent of previous installments in the Vs series. The documentary will present evidence, legal arguments, and behind-the-scenes footage from It Ends With Us, giving viewers a chance to form their own opinions on the case. Interviews with insiders, potential cast or crew members, and legal experts will provide multiple perspectives on the dispute, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the conflict.

The documentary may span several episodes, each focusing on different phases of the case, such as the initial allegations, the countersuit, and the public’s role in fueling the media frenzy. With a forensic approach to storytelling, viewers can expect timelines, legal documents, and social media reactions to be integral components of the narrative.

Release and Accessibility

Baldoni vs Lively: A Hollywood Feud is confirmed to release in June 2025 on Discovery+ in the UK. However, there is currently no specific information about its availability in the United States. U.S. viewers should keep an eye on announcements to learn if and when the documentary will be made accessible on American streaming platforms.

With its detailed exploration of a high-profile Hollywood conflict, Baldoni vs Lively promises to provide a comprehensive look at a dramatic legal battle that continues to capture public attention. The documentary will offer audiences a unique opportunity to understand the personal and professional stakes of the Lively-Baldoni dispute, while also contributing to the larger conversation about power dynamics and reputational battles in the entertainment industry.